11 December 2010

Nikolaustag

December 6th is Nikolaustag and the night before children leave their boots by the door hoping that Samichlaus will fill them with treats and small gifts.

It was a special day at school--the kids spent the day hiking with the teacher and some parents up to Käferberg, one of the large forested hillsides surrounding the city.

On the way, we passed a normal wanderweg sign, but below it was a special sign.

We found Samichlaus's hut and Schmutzli was there too, taking care of the fire and keeping things tidy. We got to have a nice chat with Samichlaus (who spoke Swiss German) and then the kids sang him a Christmas song.